Darwin, Northern Territory
Director/ Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Emma O’Neill
Director/ Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Emma is a Registered Nurse with a specialisation in Intellectual Disability, Epilepsy, and Behaviour Support, boasting 18 years of rich experience across the Disability sector on both a national and international scale. Currently finalising her Masters in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Queen’s University Belfast, Emma also enriches her expertise with studies in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) through The Association for Psychological Therapies (APT). Her active memberships in prestigious organisations, such as the Global Institute of Forensic Research, underscore her dedication to her field.
Originating from Ireland and making Australia her home since 2011, Emma has embraced Darwin as her haven, where her affection for dogs and the local landscapes underscores her warm, compassionate nature. Emma believes in the power of building positive, supportive relationships and is passionate about empowering individuals to make informed choices towards achieving their life goals.
With a professional approach that seamlessly integrates with her personal values, Emma stands out as a dedicated advocate and practitioner in the disability support arena, committed to enhancing the lives of those she works with.
Practice Manager/ Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Michael Ruddy
Practice Manager/ Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Michael joined TTH in June 2022, bringing his expertise from central West NSW, where he previously served as the Operations Manager for a NDIS Service Provider. With extensive experience in frontline DSW, Support Coordination, NDIS program management, and internal support worker training, Michael adds valuable skills to our team. He has also collaborated closely with ACCHO’s and Aboriginal Medical Services.
Michael’s passion lies in recovery and rehabilitation for individuals with diverse needs and abilities, with a focus on empowering families and strengthening community ties. He holds qualifications in Community Services, Alcohol & other Drugs, and Case Management. Michael has completed education in Behaviour Support through Monash University and also holds a Diploma of Community Sector Management and a Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention. He remains dedicated to continued development, recently completing courses on Learning and Behaviour Disorders in Children and Adolescents, as well as Trauma-informed Care & Complex Trauma Attachment Management through Australian Open Colleges.
Michael has recently taken on the role of Practice Manager while continuing his work as a proficient Behaviour Support Practitioner. As the Practice Manager at Towards the Horizon, Michael oversees the operational aspects of our organisation, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery. He plays a key role in coordinating the team of practitioners, managing resources, and implementing policies and procedures to uphold high standards of Behaviour Support Service Delivery. Michael brings a wealth of knowledge to this role. He is committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where practitioners can thrive and participants receive the best possible services to meet their goals.
Counsellor & Service Development Officer
Jodi Smyth
Jodi is Towards the Horizon’s Counsellor & Service Development Officer. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and a NDIS‑registered Behaviour Support Practitioner.
Jodi first joined our team in 2022 as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, where she provided specialist behaviour support to participants for approximately 18 months. In 2026, she returned to our Darwin team to lead the expansion of our services into counselling, bringing her depth of experience, passion for therapeutic work, and commitment to person‑centred care.
Jodi always aims to support her clients in a way that is meaningful and relevant to each person and their goals. She is deeply passionate about working with people’s strengths and helping them to connect with their own inner wisdom and understandings as part of the therapeutic process. Jodi likes to blend a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities into her practice, and she works to assist her clients with developing new skills, strategies and techniques that can aid them in navigating and safely processing the challenges that they are facing.
Jodi has a special interest in trauma-informed interventions, and she believes that nature is a powerful resource that can be used to assist with healing and nervous system restoration.
Therapeutic Modalities:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Level 1
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Process Oriented Psychology (POP)
Qualifications:
- Master Of Counselling & Psychotherapy (Holistic Practice) – Currently Completing
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Holistic Practice)
- Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Trauma and Recovery Practice
- 2-Year Specialist Training in Holistic Counselling & Psychotherapy (PACFA Accredited)
- Certificate IV in Population Health
Administrative Officer
Komal
Administrative Officer
Komal has recently moved to Darwin from India after completing year 12. She has always been interested in community services sector why she has enrolled self in the Diploma of Nursing at Fox Education. Komal loves to learn new things and she feels empowered to be part of Towards the Horizon’s family. Komal loves watching Netflix, doing painting and cooking. Komal is proud of self to be the face of Towards The Horizon’s family.
Analytics Specialist/ Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Brendan Coutts
Analytics Specialist/ Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Brendan is fascinated by people. He loves to get to know who they are and discover all they can be. This has taken him on a deeply enriching journey inwards through extensive training in meditation and mindfulness, and lead to many years advising on organisational behaviour and organisational effectiveness.
With a PhD in the physical sciences, he brings an unusual balance of head and heart to all he does and is delighted to have discovered Behaviour Support as a career – especially with the great crew at Towards the Horizon.
Having worked around the world, he’s new to Darwin and is excited about all the Top End has to offer. He’s currently studying a Diploma of Counselling and also teaches mindfulness.
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Amber
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Amber lived and worked in South Australia for 30 years before her recent move to Darwin. She spent the first 24 years of her life in Port Augusta before relocating to Adelaide to pursue higher education. Amber completed a Certificate IV and Diploma in Community Services at TAFE SA, followed by a Bachelor of Social Work at Flinders University. During her student placements, she gained experience supporting people with complex needs, young carers, and youth and young people experiencing crisis, as well as providing support services to vulnerable individuals experiencing isolation. Amber has also volunteered in township communities in Cape Town, South Africa.
Amber’s strong humanitarian values underpin her commitment to social justice, human rights, and equality at individual, community, and global levels. She strives to treat all people with humility, fairness, and respect for each person’s individuality and unique qualities. Outside of work, Amber enjoys watching documentaries and reading books aligned with her values. She also enjoys overseas travel and outdoor activities, including nature hikes, swimming, and snorkelling.
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Phoebe Donald
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Phoebe has recently returned to Darwin after 15 years living and working in South Australia, where she attained her Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) majoring in Health Studies from Flinders university, as well as her Graduate Diploma in Public Health from the University of Adelaide. Phoebe has an advanced, holistic understanding of behaviour influences, challenges, and management. She has several years’ experience as a Youth Mentor, providing positive behaviour support for young people and children with varying disability and psycho-social support needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety disorders and depression.
Phoebe has also worked in Lifestyle Support within Aged Care, where she developed expertise in assisting residents in care to maintain a high level of wellbeing, and a sense of purpose and belonging. She supported older people experiencing a range of emotional, and psychological needs, including advanced dementia and brain injuries. These experiences have reinforced Phoebe’s strong belief in providing comprehensive, consistent service of care, through ongoing collaboration with the person participating and their support team. Phoebe’s person-centred community service experience has equipped her with the ability to provide an empathetic understanding of people’s unique sense of identity, interests and how best to support them in positive behaviour development. Furthermore, she believes in applying individualized trauma informed practice and approaches which focus on the individuals’ strengths to improve their quality of life. Compassion, and celebrating people’s unique little, and big wins are some of the key values underpinning Phoebe’s behaviour support work. Phoebe loves all things creative, travel and getting outside!
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Trinity Martinac
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Trinity brings a rich and varied background in the child protection sector, with experience in clinical environments, residential care as a therapeutic youth worker, and casework support as a Family Contact Supervisor. She has a strong focus on trauma-informed care and working towards positive behavioural outcomes for children and young people.
Trinity has also gained valuable insight through a placement with an Innocence Initiative, contributing to efforts in investigating claims of wrongful conviction and advocating for reform on systemic issues that contribute to injustices. This experience aligns with her passion for justice and her dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals.
Academically, Trinity holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Bachelor of Criminology, and is currently advancing her knowledge through a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) at the University of Adelaide. Outside of her professional pursuits, Trinity enjoys exploring the outdoors, travelling, and spending time with her dogs. She’s also an avid reader and enjoys keeping up with her favourite TV series.
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Amrik Shira
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Amrik Shira is a Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner and Registered Nurse with over 11 years of experience working across the disability, mental health, and community support sectors in Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Nursing and a Diploma of Community Welfare and has developed extensive expertise supporting individuals with complex behavioural, psychosocial, and health needs across a range of service environments.
Amrik has worked in diverse roles including disability support worker, team leader, shift supervisor, NDIS Support Coordinator, and clinical nurse. These experiences have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of frontline support, service coordination, and multidisciplinary collaboration within complex care systems.
In his current role, Amrik conducts functional behaviour assessments, develops NDIS-compliant behaviour support plans, and works closely with participants, families, and multidisciplinary teams to identify risks and implement evidence-based interventions. His background in mental health and renal nursing at Royal Darwin Hospital enables him to apply strong clinical reasoning to behavioural assessment, crisis management, and holistic support planning.
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
laurel McCarthy
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Originally from Queensland, I relocated to Darwin after spending time living and working in Kununurra, Western Australia. My professional journey has been shaped by a strong commitment to supporting individuals with diverse behavioural, developmental, and support needs across a range of settings, including Aged Care, Disability Support, and Education as a Special Needs Education Assistant (SNEA).
Throughout my career, I have developed extensive experience working alongside individuals with complex support needs, their families, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure person-centred, respectful, and effective support. I am passionate about advocating for the rights, wellbeing, and independence of the people I support. My work focuses on building positive relationships, empowering individuals to have choice and control in their lives, and ensuring supports are meaningful, culturally respectful, and aligned with each person’s goals.
I have strong knowledge of disability services and the NDIS framework, including collaborating with external therapeutic supports and implementing evidence-based strategies to promote positive outcomes. I value clear processes, collaboration, and reflective practice to ensure that supports remain responsive, safe, and of high quality.
In 2026, I progressed from a Behaviour Support Assistant to a Behaviour Support Practitioner, further strengthening my ability to support participants and their support teams to understand behaviour as communication and to develop practical, compassionate strategies that improve quality of life.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. My husband and I have two children, and in 2023 we made a life-changing decision to pack up everything we owned into a caravan and travel Australia in search of a slower pace and new experiences. I also love all things glitter and sparkly, cooking for family and friends, music, and dancing.
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Aaron
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
I am Aaron, a new behavior support practitioner at Towards the horizon. I have studied a diploma of nursing and I am currently endorsed with AHPRA as an enrolled nurse. I started my career in disability as a support worker where I stayed for 7 years. I worked across many different settings in this time including group homes, day programs, community access and school holiday programs. I then transitioned into my current behaviour support practitioner role and have loved it for the last 2.5 years.
I have had the opportunity to develop my skills as a practitioner by completing courses such as the Monash university ‘engaging in positive behaviour support practices’ course , CPI safety intervention and SAL ‘trauma over the lifespan in behaviour support’. I currently hold registration as a core level behaviour support practitioner. I love to connect with my customers around shared interests. If your into sports (extra points for NRL!), going to the gym, video games, coffee then let’s have a chat
Brisbane, Queensland
Director/ Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Emma O’Neill
Director/ Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Emma is a Registered Nurse with a specialisation in Intellectual Disability, Epilepsy, and Behaviour Support, boasting 18 years of rich experience across the Disability sector on both a national and international scale. Currently finalising her Masters in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Queen’s University Belfast, Emma also enriches her expertise with studies in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) through The Association for Psychological Therapies (APT). Her active memberships in prestigious organisations, such as the Global Institute of Forensic Research, underscore her dedication to her field.
Originating from Ireland and making Australia her home since 2011, Emma has embraced Darwin as her haven, where her affection for dogs and the local landscapes underscores her warm, compassionate nature. Emma believes in the power of building positive, supportive relationships and is passionate about empowering individuals to make informed choices towards achieving their life goals.
With a professional approach that seamlessly integrates with her personal values, Emma stands out as a dedicated advocate and practitioner in the disability support arena, committed to enhancing the lives of those she works with.
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Gunveer Singh Mann
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Gunveer Singh Mann is an esteemed Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner at Towards the Horizon, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. With a Bachelor’s degree in Humanitarian and Community Studies from Charles Darwin University, complemented by a Certificate IV in Leadership & Management, Gunveer epitomises the blend of academic excellence and practical leadership skills. Further enhancing his professional credentials, Gunveer has successfully completed a Train the Trainer certificate in MAYBO, specializing in managing challenging and complex behaviors.
Prior to joining Towards the Horizon, Gunveer dedicated over six years to the community services sector, notably serving as a Supported Independent Living Coordinator. This role enabled him to develop a deep understanding of the unique needs of individuals with challenging and complex behaviours, equipping him with the skills necessary to support NDIS participants in achieving their NDIS goals. Gunveer’s extensive experience and adaptable skill set make him a valuable asset to our team and the individuals we support, as he employs a holistic and person-centered approach to behaviour support.
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Justine Figueroa
Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
With a degree in Psychological Science from the University of Adelaide and early studies in Applied Psychology in the Philippines, Justine brings both academic grounding and a deeply human touch to her work. Moving to Australia over a decade ago, she’s developed a unique, culturally sensitive approach to care—grounded in respect, empathy, and lived experience.
Justine’s passion lies in mental health, holistic wellbeing, and person-centred care. Whether it’s through meaningful conversation, a well-timed piece of advice, or simply listening with intention, she values authentic connection and the small moments that build trust.
Justine’s career has centred around empowering others through genuine care. She’s worked with young people in Residential Care settings with dual diagnoses, supporting them in building life skills, healthy relationships, and emotional regulation. She has worked as a Disability Support Worker and later as Coordinator for Specialist Services within an OSHC environment. She has also led Client Engagement for children and teens with autism and other disabilities. As a Support Coordinator, Justine has helped young adults and their families navigate the NDIS—advocating during reviews, setting up services, and ensuring supports align with individual goals. In her most recent role in Workplace Wellbeing, she supported organisations to create mentally healthy environments through education and proactive wellbeing strategies.
Behaviour Support Quality & Safeguards Lead
Laura Pedason
Behaviour Support Quality & Safeguards Lead
Laura is a dedicated Behaviour Support Practitioner with a bachelor’s degree in Behaviour Management from Bond University and postgraduate qualifications in provision of Intensive Family Supports. With previous experience working with children with complex trauma backgrounds in the out-of-home care system, Laura has been a registered NDIS Behaviour Practitioner since 2021.
Laura is dedicated to ensuring that our organisation delivers the highest standard of behaviour support services to our participants as Towards the Horizon’s Quality Assurance Officer. Laura brings a wealth of expertise to her role and is committed to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly in the context of the reduction of Restrictive Practices. Laura’s passion for quality assurance ensures that Towards the Horizon remains at the forefront of providing exceptional care and support to our participants.
